In a high-risk pregnancy, the life and health of mom, the baby, or both is threatened. For some women, pregnancy can be the most incredible, yet fearful experience in their lives. Discovering your pregnancy is considered high risk can be very scary. Knowing your risk level for a difficult pregnancy can help you deal with any risk factors you may have before you are pregnant. While some risk factors are genetic and out of your control, others can be reduced, or at least controlled, before and during pregnancy. Who is at risk? The following factors increase your risk of a difficult pregnancy: 1